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Vital Sign Measurement

Heart Rate

Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. It is evaluated by taking a “pulse” at the wrist or in the neck.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force applied by blood against the walls of blood vessels as the heart contracts. It is expressed in millimeters of mercury and measured by a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff). The top number is called systolic blood pressure and the bottom number diastolic blood pressure. The top number is the force exerted on the vessels during a heart beat. The bottom number is the force exerted on the vessels between heart beats.

Respiratory Rate

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths, or how many times the chest rises, in one minute.